Programs & Services > Violence Against Women > Issues you may be facing
Issues you may be facing
Is your partner verbally, financially, emotionally, physically and/or sexually abusing you? | How to be safer when your partner abuses you or threatens your life | What to do after you've left an abusive relationship
Is your partner verbally, financially, emotionally, physically and/or sexually abusing you?
No woman expects to be hurt by someone who is close to her. Feeling shocked, confused, and even questioning yourself, over and over again, about why your partner is hurting you are common responses. Many women blame themselves especially when they are repeatedly told by their partners, and at times, even by their relatives, friends, and co-workers that it is their fault.
What's important to always remember is that there is no excuse for any form of abuse towards another person - it's not your fault and you are not responsible for your partner's abusive behaviour.
Also remember that you are not alone - reach out and speak to someone you can trust, who is willing to listen. If you feel there is no one you can talk to, there are many programs for women in your situation, throughout Toronto, that can assist you in getting the support you need.
Some Common Signs of Abusive Behaviours:
Has your partner ever:
- insulted or called you names?
- put you down in front of others?
- made hurtful comments about you, your body, your relationships with others?
- continually criticized you?
- taken control of finances?
- denied you access to pocket money?
- monitored your finances?
- kept you from managing family finances?
- tried to intimidate you? (slammed his fist on things; made threatening actions or raised his hand to your face as though he was going to hit you; destroyed property; etc.)
- threatened to hurt you or a family member if you leave?
- threatened to hurt your pet?
- threatened to take the children away if you leave?
- threatened to hurt him/herself if you didn't do what was said or if you left?
- threatened to send you back home or stop sponsoring you?
- threatened to report you to immigration?
- tried to control what you do, and monitor who you speak with and where you go?
- tried to isolate you from friends and family?
- destroyed your personal belongings?
- forced you to do something against your will?
- tried to restrict you from using the phone, driving the car, working, going to school?
- made decisions without consulting you?
- prevented you from getting medical attention?
- acted in a jealous and suspicious way towards you?
- blamed you for the abuse?
- been physically hurtful?
- forced you to engage in sexual acts against your will?
- promised that you will never be hurt again and then promise to change?
To arrange for counselling, please call our Service Access Unit, Tel: 416.595.9618
